Image Licensing for Authors & Publishers.

Finding & Using Images

Where can I find stock images for book covers and books?

DepositPhotos offers millions of royalty-free stock images to help authors and publishers create professional book covers and illustrations while ensuring legal compliance.

Browse DepositPhotos library.
 

Why Publishers Choose DepositPhotos

• Easy licensing for commercial and self-publishing

• AI and design tools accelerate book production
   

Why choose DepositPhotos for self-publishing?

• Millions of royalty-free images
• Hassle-free licensing
• Compatible with self-publishing platforms, POD services, and commercial publishing
• Tools like AI generator and VistaCreate templates streamline book design. Try AI generator.

BOOK COVERS & BOOK CONTENT

Can I use DepositPhotos images for book covers and inside books?

Yes. You can use DepositPhotos images for printed and digital book covers and inside books under a Standard License.

DepositPhotos images can be used for:

• Printed book covers

• E-book covers

• Inside printed books (illustrations)

• Inside e-books

Licensing:

• Standard License: up to 500,000 printed copies, unlimited digital distribution

• Extended License: required for printed copies exceeding 500,000 or for commercial products like coloring books or merchandise

Can I use the same image for multiple books?

Yes. You may reuse licensed images across multiple projects, including sequels or other book series.

Can I modify images for books or covers?

Yes. You can crop, edit, combine, or modify images. AI modifications are also allowed under the same license terms.

Special Book Types

Children’s books

Allowed under Standard License (up to 500,000 printed copies). Extended License required for higher volumes.

Coloring books, notebooks

Require an Extended License due to commercial resale nature.

Editorial images

• Can be used for non-fiction books: reference books, school textbooks, educational materials, biographies, encyclopedias, or other publications covering real events, people, or places.

• Cannot be used in fiction books, commercial novels, or marketing/promotional materials.

Print-on-demand / Amazon KDP

Allowed under Standard License as long as printed copies ≤ 500,000. Digital books are unlimited.

Audiobooks

Covers count as digital distribution and are allowed under Standard License.

Print & Distribution

Is there a print run limit?

Yes. Under the Standard License, printed books are limited to 500,000 copies.

Digital books (eBooks) have no distribution limit.

What if my book becomes a bestseller?

If printed copies exceed 500,000, you will need to upgrade to an Extended License. Digital sales remain unlimited.

When do I need an Extended License for books?

Only if your printed copies exceed 500,000. Digital books and e-books do not require an Extended License.
A Standard License covers up to 500,000 printed copies.

SELF-PUBLISHING

Can I use DepositPhotos images for Amazon KDP or self-publishing?

Yes. Images can be used for:

• Amazon KDP

• Print-on-demand platforms

• Self-published books

• E-books

Standard License allows:

• Up to 500,000 printed copies

• Unlimited digital distribution

• Commercial sales

Rights & Restrictions

Can I transfer the license to my publisher?

Yes. You can deliver  book designs (cover or interior) to your publisher. The license itself is non-transferable, but your publisher does not need a separate license to publish the completed book.

Can I sell books with DepositPhotos images?

Yes, under Standard License up to 500,000 printed copies. Extended License required above this limit.

Can I sell merchandise based on my book cover?

Yes, if the cover is applied to merchandise. For standalone products like notebooks, calendars, coloring books, or posters, an Extended License is required.

Is attribution required?

No. DepositPhotos royalty-free images do not require attribution for books, e-books, or other commercial publishing projects.

What is the difference between Editorial and Commercial images?

Editorial images:

• Use: non-fiction, informational, or educational content (reference books, school textbooks, biographies, encyclopedias, factual publications)

• Restrictions: cannot be used for fiction books, commercial novels, or marketing materials

Commercial images:

• Use: fiction and non-fiction books, book covers, e-books, merchandising, or any creative/commercial purpose

AI & Design Tools

Can I use AI images for books and covers?

Yes. DepositPhotos AI generator can create images for books and book covers. Generate images with AI.
 

Does DepositPhotos offer tools for book design?

Yes. You can use the AI image generator and VistaCreate templates to create images, book covers, and layouts for publishing projects. VistaCreate design tools.